Three C’s to curb bogus callers

Iain Russell

Scottish Water is reminding customers to follow their card, check and call advice to stop bogus callers.

With the dark winter nights here, and their staff taking thousands of water samples from customers across the country, they are advising people how to recognise a genuine Scottish Water employee from a bogus caller when they turn up at your door.

Scottish Water carried out more than 150,000 water quality tests at customers’ taps last year to enable them to ensure they continue to provide customers with clear, fresh drinking water.

These ongoing tests are carried out by a sampling team whose members will arrive in recognisable vehicles and will always have photographic identification available.

Following Scottish Water’s simple Three C’s advice could help people to beat the bogus caller: Card – Ask callers to pass their ID card or letter through the letter box in order to verify their identity; Check – Check the identity card carefully, Is the photo on the card the same as the person at the door? Call – If you are in any doubt about the caller’s identity please call Scottish Water’s customer helpline on 0800 0778778. If you are still suspicious contact a neighbour or call the police.

Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, Peter Farrer, said: “All of our employees carry identity cards, which they are more than happy to show when requested to do so.

“Householders shouldn’t let anyone into their home until they are sure of their identity. Check through the peep hole on your door; ask them to pass their ID card through the letter box. Our employees will be more than happy to wait while you check their identity.

“If you’re on your own and feel that you need more support then call a neighbour or a friend, and if you are at all worried about a caller, then please contact the police straight away.”

In a bid to help protect customers against bogus callers, Scottish Water is again offering an Anti-Bogus Caller Pack which contains a personal electronic alarm, door viewer, UV Marker Pen and guard bar.